LCL

LCL (Less than Container Load) refers to ocean freight shipments that do not fill an entire container. Multiple LCL shipments from different shippers are consolidated together by an NVOCC or freight forwarder into one container, then de-consolidated at the destination Container Freight Station (CFS) for final delivery to each consignee.

LCL is the cost-effective choice for smaller shipments (typically under 15 cubic meters or 15 tonnes) where renting a full container would be wasteful. The shipper pays only for the volume or weight used, calculated as the higher of cubic meters (CBM) or tonnes (revenue ton, "W/M" — whichever is greater).

The trade-off: LCL shipments take longer (consolidation + de-consolidation adds 2-7 days) and have higher per-unit handling costs than FCL.